Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia spp. infection in community-acquired pneumonia, Germany, 2011-2012

Emerg Infect Dis. 2015 Mar;21(3):426-34. doi: 10.3201/eid2103.140927.

Abstract

Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia spp., which are associated with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), are difficult to propagate, and can cause clinically indistinguishable disease patterns. During 2011-2012, we used molecular methods to test adult patients in Germany with confirmed CAP for infection with these 2 pathogens. Overall, 12.3% (96/783) of samples were positive for M. pneumoniae and 3.9% (31/794) were positive for Chlamydia spp.; C. psittaci (2.1%) was detected more frequently than C. pneumoniae (1.4%). M. pneumoniae P1 type 1 predominated, and levels of macrolide resistance were low (3.1%). Quarterly rates of M. pneumoniae-positive samples ranged from 1.5% to 27.3%, showing a strong epidemic peak for these infections, but of Chlamydia spp. detection was consistent throughout the year. M. pneumoniae-positive patients were younger and more frequently female, had fewer co-occurring conditions, and experienced milder disease than did patients who tested negative. Clinicians should be aware of the epidemiology of these pathogens in CAP.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Chlamydia / classification
  • Chlamydia / genetics*
  • Chlamydial Pneumonia / epidemiology*
  • Chlamydial Pneumonia / microbiology
  • Community-Acquired Infections / epidemiology*
  • Community-Acquired Infections / microbiology
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Germany / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Typing
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae / classification
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae / genetics*
  • Pneumonia, Mycoplasma / epidemiology*
  • Pneumonia, Mycoplasma / microbiology
  • Young Adult